Abstract
Previous research has identified cultural differences in emotion-related self- and other-enhancement, which refers to a pattern in which individuals tend to view themselves or others in a positive light. However, little research has examined self- and other-enhancement in terms of memory. Additionally, research gaps exist on how acculturation (changes in the view of self and others resulting from cross-cultural interactions) impacts emotion-related and memory-related cognitive strategies. Using behavioral measures and ERP analysis (N400 and Late Positive Potential), this study aims to examine self and other-enhancement among Chinese international students who have recently moved to the US and enrolled at an American university. This current project builds on prior research by examining the ways in which emotional self- and other-related information are differentially prioritized in memory across acculturation levels and how these two factors might interact in affecting neural patterns. Chinese international participants showed a significant other-enhancement effect in memory, contrasting prior findings of Western tendencies to self-enhance. Although there were no significant ERP effects, possibly due to lack of power, there were visual trends for self-enhancement effects as indicated by the LPP and other-enhancement effects as indicated by the N400. Results characterize unique cultural patterns in prioritizing emotional information related to self versus close others. Future work could build on these initial findings to develop culturally sensitive interventions with the goal of mitigating the negative effects of acculturation-related stress and depressive symptoms, and promoting positive well-being.